WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF LAWYERS

How has the pandemic changed clinics, workshops, and other one-time service opportunities for legal services providers and volunteers? Join us for a candid discussion of the costs and benefits of these limited-scope pro bono opportunities. We'll hear from organizers and participants about what worked remotely, what did not, and where we go from here post-pandemic. Our discussion will be led by: Erin M. Mee, Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney, National Veterans Legal Services Program Lance Conklin, Chair, AILA DC Chapter Pro Bono Committee Catalina Martinez, Attorney Advisor, U.S. Small Business Administration Paul Lee, Pro Bono Counsel, Steptoe & Johnson And our discussion will be moderated by Andrea Mangones, Director, Legal Training & Technical Assistance, KIND. We're so excited to be back in person we've set aside some additional time to get reacquainted and meet all the new members of our pro bono community. Bring your ideas and your lunch. Cookies and drinks will be provided thanks to the generosity of our host Fried Frank.

Hosted by the D.C. Superior Court Pro Bono and Affordable Counsel Committee, Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia, and NVRDC Have you ever been to the D.C. Superior Court?  Have you met a D.C. Superior Court Judge?  Do you want to help litigants of limited means in cases involving eviction, domestic violence, or domestic relations? Join us for the D.C. Superior Court Open House where representatives from legal services organizations will lead tours in some of the Court’s high-volume branches.  You will have an opportunity to observe court proceedings, speak with Superior Court Judges, and learn how you can help expand access to justice and improve the everyday lives of individuals and families in our community. You can choose to tour the Domestic Violence Division, Domestic Relations Branch, or Landlord and Tenant Branch at registration. Please note masks are required at all times inside the courthouse. You will need to bring a government-issued ID to enter the building. We look forward to welcoming you! And join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using #DCPBW22!

Depositions can be useful tools in all kinds of cases. A deposition can be an effective and affordable tool for pro bono and public-interest lawyers and their clients. Our Depositions training is taught by Phil Horton and Stanton Jones from Arnold & Porter. The course will feature a mix of lecture and demonstration with plenty of time for Q&A. We will cover the basics of both taking and defending depositions. We'll discuss such topics as how to frame effective questions, proper use of direct vs. leading questions, personal style, use of outlines, and deposition strategy.  And then we'll turn to defending depositions and discuss how to prepare a witness (both on the facts of the case and on how to be an effective witness) and how to defend the actual deposition.  There will also be a demonstration on taking and defending a deposition in a housing case. Bring your lunch, and join us in learning the basics of how to prepare yourself and your witness for a deposition, what techniques are most effective, and what traps to avoid. This training is approved for CA 2.0 (general), NY 2.0 (skills), and NJ 2.2 (general) CLE credits. CLE approval is pending but not guaranteed in VA. Scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of the D.C. Bar Foundation. Please complete this form to apply for a scholarship.

Over the past two years, civil rights in the United States have been under attack.  The Dobbs decision marks the first time in its history that the Supreme Court has revoked a previously recognized constitutional right.  After the 2020 elections, many state lawmakers have focused their efforts on passing laws erecting unnecessary barriers for people to vote which disproportionately impact people of color, students, the elderly, and people with disabilities. And while many have invoked the name of George Floyd in calling for racial justice and equity in recent years, have we actually achieved any progress in securing those goals?  This panel will examine where we find ourselves now in a Post-Dobbs, Post-George Floyd, and Post-Big Lie World. Our esteemed panelists are: Sharon Brett, Legal Director, ACLU of Kansas Gilda Daniels, Professor of Law, University of Baltimore Marc Hearron, Senior Counsel, Center for Reproductive Rights Naïké Savain, Director of Policy, DC Justice Lab Join the conversation on social media using #DCPBW22.

Sponsored by the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center The Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic gives business and transactional attorneys the opportunity to donate their expertise to small businesses.  The Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinics allow current and aspiring small business owners to speak with an attorney about their legal problems or questions that affect their businesses.  Small businesses serve as the cornerstone for economic development in disadvantaged areas, but many cannot afford legal fees for advice that may determine whether they sink or swim. While only brief advice is given, entrepreneurs are able to engage in one-on-one consultations with an attorney.  Matters that arise include business formation, real estate, employment, intellectual property and joint ventures, and partnership agreements. One to two trainings are held each year for interested volunteers, but it is not required to volunteer. New volunteers often shadow veteran volunteers during their first few consultations. For the volunteer manual, click here. Sign up to volunteer at the virtual clinic here. You must sign up before 8:00 am ET on Monday, October 24. And join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using#DCPBW22!

Co-Hosted by Bread for the City and Children's Law Center Bread for the City and Children’s Law Center will co-host this event to discuss their respective legal services work East of the Anacostia River and the importance of pro bono in serving D.C. neighbors. Join us to learn how lawyers can address non-medical barriers to health, the benefits of co-locating legal services with non-lawyer professionals, and how you can get involved with Bread for the City and Children’s Law Center. Registrants will receive a Zoom link in advance of the event. Join the conversation on social media using #DCPBW22.

Hosted by the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program In celebration of Pro Bono Week, The Veterans Consortium (TVC) is partnering with local volunteers and DC area law students to hold two, one-day pop-up legal clinics to serve the needs of veterans. These clinics will be held via a virtual platform. Clinics: Advice & Referral Clinic for Women Veterans Tuesday, October 25 10:00 am - 4:30 pm ET Legal Advice & Referral Clinic Friday, October 28 10:00 am - 4:30 pm ET To volunteer, reach out to Chesley at chesley.roberts@vetsprobono.org. Only female attorneys are allowed to volunteer for the women’s clinic. And join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using #DCPBW22!

Hosted by Children's Law Center, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, Mother's Outreach Network Please join us for a lively panel discussion on the need for pro bono representation in cases impacting families.  This panel will discuss the challenges our clients face in securing representation and dispelling myths about who our clients are.  Panelists will share their experiences representing parents, third-party caregivers, and the best interests of children.  Come learn why access to justice in family law means everyone has a lawyer.  Attendees will receive information about how they can get involved, ranging from limited scope to extended representation.  Registrants will receive a Zoom link in advance of the event. Our discussion will be led by: Jen Masi (Children’s Law Center) Jenadee Nanini (D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center) Keeshea Turner Roberts (Delaware Law School, Widener University) Melody Webb (Mother’s Outreach Network) In advance of this session, attendees are invited to complete a brief (approximately ten minutes) virtual exercise on poverty.  You can find the exercise here: SPENT: A Virtual Exercise on Poverty - H. E. Butt Foundation (hebfdn.org) Join the conversation on social media using #DCPBW22!

DC Pro Bono Week 2022 officially kicks off with Pro Bono Goes Local on Monday, October 24, from 9:30-10:30 am ET via Zoom. This launch event will feature a panel of inspiring legal services attorneys who will provide valuable updates on community legal needs and identify specific ways pro bono attorneys can get involved. Then, we will hear from Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby from the D.C. Court of Appeals, and Chief Judge Josey-Herring from the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. Don't miss the chance to find out about the most pressing pro bono needs of the day. Our lightning round experts will give updates about these important pro bono practice areas: domestic violence, family law, immigration, consumer issues, public benefits, housing, and criminal record sealing. We'll hear from: Faiza Majeed, Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia (Housing) Erin Scheick, Bread for the City (Domestic Violence) Tina Nelson, Legal Counsel for the Elderly (District Elders) Bradford Voegeli, Neighborhood Legal Services Program (Criminal Record Sealing) Crystal Fleming, Kids in Need of Defense (Immigration) Join us for the kickoff of our week-long celebration of pro bono! We'll share a wealth of information on the hot topics in pro bono and give you a chance to connect with great pro bono opportunities! Pro Bono Goes Local is free to attend, but advance registration is required. Spread the word! Invite a friend! #DCPBW22

Hosted by Mother's Outreach Network Mother's Outreach Network is hosting a community-based tax workshop followed by a brief advice clinic that will inform D.C. parents and caregivers about their eligibility for refundable tax credits. In partnership with pro bono attorneys, we will aid families in claiming their rightful tax credits to increase their family income and overall well-being. We are seeking attorneys, paralegals, and law students to provide advice and guidance to parents through one-on-one clinic appointments following the parents' tax workshop information session. A tax law background is not required to volunteer! Parents' Tax Workshop will take place on Tuesday, October 18 at 11:00 am ET at the Southwest Family Enhancement Center, 203 N Street, SW. Volunteers are required to attend a virtual training on Tuesday, October 11 at 7:00 pm ET. Register for the training here.

Hosted by D.C. Environment and Energy Associations (DCEEA) Please join the Washington Council of Lawyers and members of the D.C. Environment and Energy Associations (DCEEA) for a pro bono week panel to discuss ways to get involved in environmental and climate change initiatives. With so much attention being given to climate change, you may be wondering how you can get involved in grass-roots and pro bono efforts. Our panel of experts will discuss ways to get involved in various aspects of pro bono work from litigation, to advocacy, to hands-on non-legal volunteer opportunities. Attendees will leave with tangible ideas and ways to get involved. Our discussion will be led by: Abbey Doyno, Executive Director, Green Pro Bono William Halnon, Staff Attorney, Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, Chesapeake Legal Alliance Christine Appah, Adjunct Professor of Law, Environmental Justice, Cardozo School of Law Ariel Solaski, Staff Litigation Attorney with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will moderate the discussion. Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using #DCPBW22!

Hosted by DC Refers This presentation will address ethical implications associated with representing individuals of limited means at a reduced fee. Offering affordable legal representation to people of modest means helps to satisfy a tremendous unmet need in the District of Columbia and many other cities around the country. Topics to be addressed include (i) how the DC Rules of Professional Conduct recognize low bono representation as fulfilling public service obligations under Rule 6.1, (ii) using limited scope representations to serve the needs of low bono clients and lawyers alike, (iii) how applicable ethics authorities permit lawyers to work with non-profit organizations to find clients in need of representation at reduced rates and more. Our speaker will be Charlie Lemley, DC Refers Board Chair, Adjunct Professor of Professional Responsibility at George Mason University, Antonin Scalia Law School, and Senior Counsel at Wiley LLP. Charlie has years of experience in professional liability and insurance coverage litigation, legal ethics, and issues related to legal diversity. He primarily represents insurance carriers and lawyers in insurance coverage and legal malpractice cases at the trial and appellate levels. He has written numerous articles and presentations on a variety of professional liability and legal ethics topics including third-party claims against lawyers. He recently served as Chair of the District of Columbia Bar’s working group on limited scope legal representation. This program will be choc full of useful and practical information but is not approved for CLE or ethics credits in any jurisdiction. Come and learn! Then join the discussion on social media using #DCPBW22!

A successful trial strategy includes careful planning from the moment you take a case - even if you think it will never get to court. Good case preparation is the key to good advocacy. In this session of our Litigation Skills series, we will explore how to evaluate a case, determine trial strategy, organize the theme of the case, plan for discovery and document review, evaluate witnesses, and make trial decisions during trial. Our discussion will be led by Matthew Edwards, Partner at Ain & Bank. Matthew focuses on high-stakes matrimonial cases involving complex financial arrangements, family-owned or closely held businesses, and complex custody matters. He volunteers as a family law mentor for the D.C. Bar Advice & Referral Clinic and when necessary is a tenacious courtroom advocate at the trial court and appellate levels. This Litigation Skills Series session is free to attend, but registration is required, and donations are encouraged to support our programs! Grab a colleague and reserve your spot today.    

RECONNECT WITH US IN PERSON! Join us as we bring the community back together at our Fall Kickoff. The Fall Kickoff is a chance to meet members of our vibrant pro bono and public-interest community; get more involved in our programs, activities, and committees; meet our new board members and officers; and sign up for our upcoming programs and events. And, it's fun! At this casual happy hour, you can learn about how to get involved in our work, gain pro bono and public-interest advocacy skills, and build strong professional connections. Our Fall Kickoff is free, thanks to our hosts Goodwin Procter. We hope you will attend, and invite friends to join you!  Spread the word!  #FallKickoff22 RSVPs are requested so that we know how many to expect.

By now, everyone knows not to post inappropriate pictures on their social media page. But do you know how to use social media and digital platforms to position yourself as a knowledgeable, competent, and passionate advocate in your chosen practice area? Do you know how to go beyond the basics to develop a communications plan that will help you reach your career goals? At Professional Presence - Digital Edition, Renata Aguilera-Titus, Director of Communications and Development at the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, will show you how to develop a professional communications strategy and give you concrete guidance to make your online time efficient and impactful. We will discuss how to align your professional social media with the mission of your organization (or the organization you'd like to join), how and when to comment on news of the day, and who to go to if you need help. We'll go far beyond the basics of a LinkedIn profile. We'll discuss how to create a professional online presence that will gain you the kind of attention that moves your career forward. This program is ideal for law students, new lawyers, and anyone who wants to take control of their online presence. Once you register, join the conversation, follow along for tips, and share your thoughts on social media using #ProPresence

Lawyers hold leadership positions across many segments of American society -- not only in law firms, corporate legal departments, and public interest organizations, but in public service, business, academia, and a variety of non-profit organizations. But unlike other disciplines, the law profession does not adequately prepare its leaders. In order to be prepared for leadership roles, lawyers must look for opportunities for growth from the very beginning of their careers. During this discussion, we will explore the basics of leadership for lawyers, such as the characteristics that make for strong leaders. We will also discuss leadership styles in various settings and how to plan for leadership development. It's never too early to start developing leadership skills. Jim Sandman teaches Leadership in Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Prior to joining Penn Law full-time in 2020, he was President of the Legal Services Corporation, General Counsel of the District of Columbia Public Schools, Managing Partner of Arnold & Porter, and President of the District of Columbia Bar. He also serves on Washington Council of Lawyers' Honorary Board. Follow the conversation on social media using #LawLeadership.